Oh, MY GOSH! I just my new EasyRig. . . [Archive]

Stephen Pruitt

06-01-2009, 10:41 AM

. . . and this is the single best thing I've ever purchased. . . aside from my RED, of course. . .

It's just amazing! Hand-held shots are now as comfortable as just standing there. I can't tell you how this is going to save these old creaky bones.

I'm literally stunned. I didn't know what to expect, having never used such a device. . . but WOW. . . if you haven't tried one. . . you literally don't know what you are missing.

The EasyRig 3.0 is the Tokina 11-16mm of camera supports. . . incredible value combined with amazing performance. . .

Stephen

Shawn Nelson

06-01-2009, 11:04 AM

stop it! I'm just waiting on a few gigs to pay up so I can get mine before the group buy ends!

got any cool pics of it all set up while I wait? :-)

Martin Weiss

06-01-2009, 01:09 PM

As different cameras need different EasyRigs, can you "update"/upgrade you rig to different cameras, i.e. a lighter Epic?

NormLi

06-01-2009, 01:17 PM

Well, then....after a review like that, I HAVE to order now :)

NormLi

06-01-2009, 01:19 PM

Did you go with the 600 or 700? I can't remember. Does the 600 fully balance without it slipping down whereas the 700 would probably slip upwards?

Barry Gregg

06-01-2009, 01:22 PM

I have used my EasyRig for the past year and it has been fantastic. With eight ruptured discs I could never hand hold a Red all day without it. With the EasyRig it's not "easy", but at least it is possible. Works great to get the weight off my spine.

Martin, you can purchase various support arms with different weight ratings. Each arm is rated for a range of camera weights. It is around $1,600 per support arm.

NormLi

06-01-2009, 01:28 PM

I just ordered the 600N. This better be good! :) I do so much handheld that this seems like the next logical step to save my back and wobbly arms (after a 5min take!).

Sanjin Jukic

06-01-2009, 01:34 PM

I just have to decide between (unfortunately for one):

Easy Rig 3

or

Panther X15+HD2 fluid head/tripod system!

16x9 Inc

06-01-2009, 02:29 PM

I just ordered the 600N. This better be good! :) I do so much handheld that this seems like the next logical step to save my back and wobbly arms (after a 5min take!).

Thank You. It's on its way to you today. Will send tracking info. via PM.

As different cameras need different EasyRigs, can you "update"/upgrade you rig to different cameras, i.e. a lighter Epic?

Yes. You have the option of either: 1) Change the shock, or 2) Get a different arm.

.................................................. ....................................
Michael Ibanez
16x9 Inc.
michael@16x9inc.com
Exclusive US Distributor for Chrosziel, Bebob, & EasyRig
Exclusive Worldwide Distributor for 16x9 Inc., Noga Cine Arms
.................................................. ....................................

Stephen Pruitt

06-01-2009, 02:40 PM

I just got the 600N and it is perfect for my purposes.

At first I thought that I needed a smaller vest, as, when I slipped it on, it was HUGE, but after all of the adjustments, it fit perfectly. I mean, it was like a glove!

The 600N weight load is perfect for what I'm using for hand-held:

1. RED
2. EVF with ET mount
3. 5.6" LCD with small arm
4. Redrock follow focus
5. Redrock mattebox
6. Two 18" carbon fiber rods
7. Quickplate
8. Battery
9. 6" rods to hold quickplate
10. Two top mounts
11. Red handle and red handle extension
12. Left and right handles with handle support arm and universal mount
13. Typical Nikon lens

I can certainly load it down with more, and it will be fine, but this is what I use for our filming. I don't often use drives for filming (I'm paranoid that one will die and we'll lose a whole day's worth of shots!)

I'm crazy about this thing! I'll see if I can get my wife to take a shot later today. . . if I don't break the camera, that is. . . not the RED.

Stephen

Michael Schmitt

06-01-2009, 05:20 PM

Does that mean you're going to have a LARGE vest I can try on Saturday at Cine Gear?

Stephen Pruitt

06-01-2009, 07:08 PM

Shawn Nelson

06-01-2009, 07:15 PM

nelsonentertainment at yahoo dot com :-)

NormLi

06-01-2009, 07:22 PM

nli at q-films.com :)

16x9 Inc

06-01-2009, 07:48 PM

Does that mean you're going to have a LARGE vest I can try on Saturday at Cine Gear?

Hey Mike,

I made a special request to EasyRig and asked them to drop-ship a Vest via FedEx Int'l Priority. I'm crossing my fingers.

.................................................. ....................................
Michael Ibanez
16x9 Inc.
michael@16x9inc.com
Exclusive US Distributor for Chrosziel, Bebob, & EasyRig
Exclusive Worldwide Distributor for 16x9 Inc., Noga Cine Arms
.................................................. ....................................

16x9 Inc

06-01-2009, 07:50 PM

Well, Shawn. . . I tried to upload a couple of shots of the new EasyRig, but it now appears that I've somehow ended up on the naughty list. For some reason it won't let me post pics.

Too bad. . . I looked particularly handsome in my new EasyRig get-up.

:-)

Stephen

If you send them to me, I can host them.

.................................................. ....................................
Michael Ibanez
16x9 Inc.
michael@16x9inc.com
Exclusive US Distributor for Chrosziel, Bebob, & EasyRig
Exclusive Worldwide Distributor for 16x9 Inc., Noga Cine Arms
.................................................. ....................................

Stephen Pruitt

06-01-2009, 08:32 PM

Pictures sent to everyone interested. . .

Exactly how I get off the naughty list. . . and how I got on it in the first place. . . remains a mystery. Probably that G-rated content I shoot.

Stephen

Jarred Land

06-01-2009, 08:51 PM

your not on the naughty list...

Stephen Pruitt

06-01-2009, 09:02 PM

It wouldn't let me upload a picture. And, in so denying me such access, it specifically said that I was on the "naughty list."

Stephen

Alan Skinner

06-01-2009, 09:31 PM

Some people just don't know when they have naughty!

Stephen Pruitt

06-01-2009, 09:48 PM

Geez. . . that's awful. You know you're really getting old when you're naughty and can't even remember it. Of course, I'm told that some younger folks have the same general problem. . . just for a different reason.

:-)

Stephen

16x9 Inc

06-01-2009, 10:32 PM

Pictures sent to everyone interested. . .

Here are the pix of Stephen and his new EasyRig:

http://greenteainteractive.com/clients/16x9inc/web/forums/erig-pruitt-01.JPG

http://greenteainteractive.com/clients/16x9inc/web/forums/erig-pruitt-02.JPG

.................................................. ....................................
Michael Ibanez
16x9 Inc.
michael@16x9inc.com
Exclusive US Distributor for Chrosziel, Bebob, & EasyRig
Exclusive Worldwide Distributor for 16x9 Inc., Noga Cine Arms
.................................................. ....................................

NormLi

06-01-2009, 10:39 PM

Look at that...hand in pocket...so relaxed....

How is it if your are kneeling or sitting down on a chair or applebox?

Stephen Pruitt

06-02-2009, 05:30 AM

Great questions, Norm. . .

The thing I've noticed is that any position is quite fine once you get there (assuming you aren't trying to sit down deeply into a soft chair, in which case, although I haven't tried it, you probably could not get up!) . . it is the moving from one position to another that is different from normal expectations. Your center of gravity is now dramatically altered. When you are standing or sitting, the weight is still transferred to your hips, but when you lean over, you can definitely feel it shift to above your head. It is almost like an invisible gravitational force over you at that point. For me, it was a strange sensation, but you quickly adapt to the change.

Oh, and beware of low-hanging objects. In my case it was like being 6' 6" all of a sudden.

Overall, most definitely two BIG thumbs up. Hand-held always killed my body. Now, as you correctly note, I can stand there relaxed. My guess is that, with my rig as it is, I have only 1 to 2 pounds on my shoulder. I did not have to have either hand on the camera. It rested just fine up there untouched. How cool is that?

Stephen

Barry Gregg

06-02-2009, 06:50 AM

The EasyRig also works with the camera in other positions than on your shoulder, like under your arm. Try that without an EasyRig. Not possible.

http://a1.vox.com/6a01101684b26a860d0110160fc631860b-pi

Luis Ortiz

06-02-2009, 08:05 AM

What does the camera hook on the easyrig attach to on the RED camera? Nevermind. I see it's hooked up to the RED handle. Looks great.

Raul Gonzo

06-02-2009, 08:32 AM

I am definitely interested in this rig, thank you for posting Stephen.

Though I use the Red Handle on top, I always end up holding the underside of it as well when moving it around. How trustworthy is the top handle?

Stephen Pruitt

06-02-2009, 09:48 AM

Hi there, Raul. . .

I know what you're talking about.

I do mine a little differently, though, and it is rock solid. My handle is attached to both the front and back top mounts.

Stephen

Raul Gonzo

06-02-2009, 10:25 AM

Do you mean with the handle extension? (thanks for your help on this)

NormLi

06-02-2009, 10:36 AM

I have to admit that from the videos of the inventor on youtube describing how it works, when he hooks it on, and let's go, I get a little woozy! It looks like it's just a little clamp...how can that hold on to a camera more than a human grip that has control? :)

Stephen Pruitt

06-02-2009, 11:58 AM

Norm. . . yeah, it looks bad, but the camera would have to float upwards to lose contact with the clamp. It's pretty secure. And, then again, how often are you not going to have your hands on it, anyway?

Raul. . . I use the RED handle extension, but ONLY use the RED handle extension. . . not the handle that comes with the RED base production pack. So, take your normal RED handle. Unscrew the rubbery handle part. Now, screw on the RED handle extension piece. You now have anchor points on the front and back of the camera. It's rock solid. Now, you do have a rather unsightly hole at either the front or back of your camera, but I'm hoping to be able to rig up something for a microphone in there.

Stephen

Raul Gonzo

06-02-2009, 12:01 PM

Perfect, thank you Stephen!

Zakaree Sandberg

06-02-2009, 12:35 PM

can you walk and move around with the Easyrig?
or is it specifically for standing in one place?
I thought I heard somewhere that motion was difficult.

Stephen Pruitt

06-02-2009, 12:40 PM

Well, this thing is NOT a steadycam. . . let's make that clear. And, I would imagine that it does make a walking hand-held shot more difficult. Maybe you could do it as well with practice, but I doubt it. But, consider this. Most shots aren't tracking or walking. They are largely static. So, if you needed to do a walking shot, you could just plop the camera on the table, step out of the vest, and kill your shoulder and back on the walking shot. It is super fast to change into and out of the vest.

I would recommend that seasoned EasyRig users chime in on this score. I'm a total newbie. . .

. . . and in love.

:-)

Stephen

A. Bastaki

06-02-2009, 01:25 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mSRrpQLmas

this guy sounds like a robot. hahaha.

but cool gadget.

Stephen Pruitt

06-02-2009, 01:28 PM

You should hear me speak Swedish.

Stephen

Chris Bell

06-02-2009, 03:31 PM

I have one and I love it. Makes hand holding the RED a pleasure.

Miguel "Macgregor" De Olaso

06-02-2009, 03:41 PM

can you walk and move around with the Easyrig?
or is it specifically for standing in one place?
I thought I heard somewhere that motion was difficult.

That´s correct. For running you´ll be better without the easyrig. But for anything else the easyrig just saves your life (and your back). I can´t shoot without it. Having your two hands free is payless, and different camera positions are so easy.

jimhare

06-02-2009, 04:49 PM

So if movement is limited, what are the main benefits for hand held over tripod? I typically do hand held so I'm free to relocate, crouch etc.

Does the Easy Rig work against you when you do these things? Is it mainly for more organic shots or whip-pans etc?

It looks amazing and I think I want one, just be good to fully understand what it will help me achieve.

Thanks!

Jim

Andrew Martin

06-02-2009, 05:19 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mSRrpQLmas

this guy sounds like a robot. hahaha.

but cool gadget.

Lol, thats Johan, anyone who has met him loves him, hes a bit crazy but crazy good. Had dinner with him and some friends after Broadcast live here in the UK.

You can move around with the easyrig but it takes practice, ive had mine since Fed when Johan gave me it and its worked great but i still haven't mastered the walking smoothly part yet, you just have to be conscious that any movement you make up and down will bounce the arm and then the camera. But for most purposes its fine.

Ive done organic shots with the rig, did an advert a couple of months ago and we had a dance floor scene and the operator was able to get some funky shots with it.

Andi.

ScottyC

06-02-2009, 06:06 PM

I have never seen this before and I am absolutely impressed. I can imagine just how much time this would save in setting up different static shots as compared to a tripod (especially on a track) and make pan and tilt motions much more fluid. I am glad someone asked about the moving shots because I had the same question. Disappointing that you can't get shots similar to a steadicam, but it definitely seems effective in it's intended use. I want one.

Stephen Pruitt

06-02-2009, 06:31 PM

Hand-held with the EasyRig looks just like hand-held. It's got the exact same random movements that hand-held shots have. . . because it IS hand-held. . . it is just that the movements are less pronounced. . . "better" to my non-"shakycam" aestheic. It feels "organic" as it were, just like a hand-held shot does.

It does NOT have the feel of a steadycam shot. I fly my Actioncam, and love it, but it is a totally different feel altogether. To me, when I'm flying, I'm trying to achieve the effect of a tripod riding on rails. Even when holding in one position, the movements with a steadycam are so fluid that it has none of the random "energy" and "feel" of a hand-held shot. The EasyRig gives you that wonderful feel. . . but without killing yourself in the process.

But, as noted, it is not terrific, at least at this stage for me, for actually walking around while shooting. Think of the EasyRig as the world's fastest set of sticks with that hand-held "organic" feel and you'll have a very, very good idea of what this rig really does for you. That's pretty much it. Put you on a dolly wearing the EasyRig and now you've got the best of both worlds. . . a moving hand-held shot. I have yet to try that yet, but we will in a few days.

Stephen

Ken Willinger

06-02-2009, 06:59 PM

I've used the Easy Rig extensively on the show Time Warp (Discovery). The real time cameras are F900's (old ones) and weigh a ton and are all hand held. I couldn't do the show without it. The show is not static. I'm moving all the time. There is no problem moving doing walking shots with the Easy Rig. A little practice and the moves are smooth (but still hand held...not steadicam). The cool thing is you can actually do booms with it both up or down with some practice. It's a great product and well worth the investment if you do a lot of hand held work. It truly saves your back and shoulder.

Sanjin Jukic

06-15-2009, 07:50 AM

My Easyrig 3 cinema just arrived!!! :)

http://homepage.mac.com/sanjinjukic/RED/EasyRig3.JPG
Easyrig 3 cinema with RED1 - shot on RED1/B20 with Canon 50mm FD L f/1.2 @ f/2.8, tungsten light, ISO 320, Shutter 1/50 @ 25 fps.

Stephen Pruitt

06-15-2009, 10:32 AM

Okay, guys. . . we just finished 10 straight 18+ hour days of shooting for the last shots for our film "Works in Progress," and I wanted to give a report on what our DP thought of our new EasyRig.

Originally, having never tried one, but having seen it on the website, he didn't think much of the system. Having now shot handheld for about 15 hours over three days, he said "it would not have been possible without the EasyRig. . . I just loved it. . . best thing you've every purchased."

It is truly amazing. . . what a life/back/crew saver this system really is.

Stephen

NormLi

06-15-2009, 10:36 AM

Hi Stephen,

You must have been having good experiences with it. Maybe mine wasn't set up properly as I still don't understand how you can tilt down quickly with the cable's tension. I measured the weight of my camera setup and it was around 29lbs. I had the 700N rated for 25-33lbs. I just found it so inhibitive. Maybe next time I'll try the 600N with better results?

Stephen Pruitt

06-15-2009, 11:11 AM

Hi there, Norm. . .

I'm not sure what you mean by "tilt down quickly," except to say that if you bend at the waist (you have no other choice), you shouldn't have a problem. Our guy just loved the system, and we did a lot of great hand-held for five hours a day for three straight days. We have the 600N rig, and it's just about perfect for the weight of our RED set-up. We figure it reduces the weight of the camera on the shoulder/back to about 2 pounds.

We simply could not be happier.

Stephen

Ivan G

06-15-2009, 12:22 PM

Group buy still available?

Joel Kaye

06-15-2009, 12:29 PM

Group buy still available?

Was there ever a group buy on this? I'd be interested if there is one.

martinnoweck

06-15-2009, 12:34 PM

Sanjin Jukic

06-15-2009, 01:16 PM

good choice not going for the x15

Panther x15 system or Sachtler 15 SB ENG 2 D later in a summer.

I'm not in a rush.

15-16 kg fluid head payload is enough for my still lens kit with R1...

Jeff Kieffer

06-15-2009, 01:34 PM

martinnoweck

06-15-2009, 01:34 PM

go for the sachtler - it is worth the price!

Sanjin Jukic

06-15-2009, 01:39 PM

Easyrig is a back saver!

I won't do any daylong handheld shots without anymore! Period!

Check out the pic's I posted on an other thread (http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=31702).

I could even walk around more or less smoothly, or keep the camera at waist height without forcing on my back.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff,

I needed desperately because like a handheld style of shots very much.

go for the sachtler - it is worth the price!

Martin,

maybe I'll go for Sachtler and also is cheaper...

Matthew Chuang

06-15-2009, 11:18 PM

I was very happy with the Easyrig when I used it on a short film recently... by the second day I had my footwork down pat and could move around quite freely during a take... I could chase actors and circle around them very efficiently. I find that if I really have to move fast, I lift the camera just slightly off my shoulders and move with my knees constantly bent in a shuffling kind of motion. You do have to support the camera that little bit more but it beats having to support the entire weight, plus its only till you stop recording. To me, it's all in your footwork.

16x9 Inc

06-23-2009, 10:32 AM

Was there ever a group buy on this? I'd be interested if there is one.

Group buy still available?

The EasyRig Group Buy is still available until the end of the June. You can find more details here: http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=29656

.................................................. ....................................
Michael Ibanez
16x9 Inc.
michael@16x9inc.com
Exclusive US Distributor for Chrosziel, Bebob, & EasyRig
Exclusive Worldwide Distributor for 16x9 Inc., Noga Cine Arms
.................................................. ....................................